In a move to combat the rising tide of fraud targeted at older adults, the Henderson Police Department is doubling down on preventative measures with its newly minted "Stop Fraud" campaign; this initiative was launched to coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week and features a robust assortment of educational materials aimed at equipping seniors with the knowledge to recognize and repel scammers. A post from Henderson Police Department's social media account reveals that the campaign includes a PSA anchored by a Henderson resident's personal encounter with fraud, a senior-focused magazine, workshops, and a dedicated webpage on financial scam prevention.
The Henderson Police Department reports that since 2024, there have been over $1.1 million in losses due to senior fraud cases, but through collaborative efforts with state and federal partners, including the FBI, they continue to pursue those responsible for such crimes. As detailed in a recent article on FOX5 Vegas, this educational push is filled with firsthand accounts of scammers posing as federal agents and coercing victims, one case notably involving a near loss of $72,000, which officers were able to intercept, stressing that education and prompt reporting are essential tools in fighting fraud.
In an effort to inform and protect, the Henderson Police Department is also organizing Senior Fraud Prevention Classes that will take place on Dec. 16, at 6 p.m., and on Jan. 17, at noon, the details of which are available on Henderson’s campaign website. These classes will address common scamming techniques that are increasingly being deployed against seniors, including schemes such as romance fraud, phishing, tech support scams, identity theft, and even cryptocurrency fraud.
For those who seek further knowledge or need assistance, the campaign extends its reach beyond physical workshops with online resources that include the ability to watch the PSA, access downloadable brochures, and educate oneself through extensive fraud prevention information – all designed to create a knowledgeable front against would-be scammers; seniors and their caregivers are also urged to report any suspicious activity directly to the Henderson Police Department or through the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov, according to the department's instructions.
